A Limited Guardian Program for Cognitively Disabled and at Risk Elders in Rhode Island

Funded by Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs and the United Way of Rhode Island

ABOUT THE PROGRAM...

Vision.
All Rhode Island elderly deserve an advocate whose aid and support allow them to lead a safe and dignified life.

Mission.
To provide carefully screened, trained, empathetic legal guardians of the person to serve the needs of incapacitated elders all over the state.

Services.
The Volunteer Guardians provide services in the area of health care, residence and association for incapacitated elders in RI who have no appropriate family to serve and no funds for private guardianship.

The Volunteer Guardians program recruits, trains and supports these Good Samaritan volunteers. They are appointed by Probate Judges in the city or town in which the ward resides.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS...

Volunteers Guardians are:

·         Good communicators and listeners

·         Empathetic and interested in helping others

·         Experienced either professionally or personally with older or disabled adults

·         Problem solvers and have the ability to exercise sound decision-making

·         Punctual regarding court summaries and other required reports

·         Free of a criminal background

·         Able to maintain confidentiality regarding their wards

VOLUNTEER TRAINING...

Upon completion of the application process, volunteers attend training over two consecutive mornings. The training is conducted by local professionals in the fields of physical and mental health, law, informed decision-making and social services. The training includes the following:

·         Probate procedure and required forms/reports

·         Aging syndromes, understanding the aging process

·         Mental health issues in the elderly, especially those with dementia

·         Making informed decisions for your ward

·         Hospice services

·         Communicating with a cognitively impaired elder

·         State ombudsman – what to look for in a nursing home and a well cared for patient

·         Alzheimer’s and other dementias – stages, treatment and research

If you are interested in the VG program, or have questions, call Valerie Pauley at 401-351-6700 or email vpauley@rimeals.org